Former Grizzly Markus White selected in NFL Draft

May 02, 2011

Former Butler football standout defensive end Markus White was selected in the seventh round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins with the 224th overall pick.

A two-year starter at defensive end on the right side at Florida State, White was widely recognized for his relentless motor on the field. He enjoyed his best season with the Seminoles in 2010, posting career-highs for tackles (64), tackles for loss (12.5) and quarterback sacks (8.0). He ranked fifth on the team in tackles, which included 40 solo stops and started all 14 games for the `Noles. White put together a seven-game streak with at least a half-sack in each game.

He teamed with left defensive end Brandon Jenkins to form one of the most dynamic pass rushing tandems in the nation, combining for 21.5 sacks. FSU tied for the national lead with 48 sacks in 2010. White posted a career-high eight tackles against NC State, which he matched a week later against North Carolina, He ranks 15th all-time at FSU in career tackles for loss with 28.5, passing Marvin Jones on that list with 1.5 against Virginia Tech in the ACC Championship game.

"He's a guy whose motor never stops," said Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher. "He's going to give effort whether he's a special teams player or defensive end. He's going to chase the ball. He's going to play hard. He's going to play aggressive. He loves to play. His effort and toughness can never been questioned." White was the 2007 NJCAA Defensive Player of the Year at Butler after recording a school-record 20.5 sacks. He led the Grizzlies to the NJCAA national championship that year before transferring to Florida State.